Additional considerations must be kept in mind when conducting business aircraft operations to remote or domestic airports in Argentina. It’s important, also, to be aware of visa requirements and reciprocity fees for this region.

The following is an overview of what you need to know:

1. Be aware of language considerations for Argentina

If you’re operating with non-Spanish-speaking crew members, be aware that the only airport in Argentina that has Air Traffic Control (ATC) with English-speaking capabilities is Buenos Aires – Ezeiza (SAEZ). When you operate to other airports, it’s recommended, but not officially required, to have Spanish-speaking crew members or a local navigator onboard. Your ground handler may have personnel on staff who would qualify to travel onboard your aircraft to translate. There are extra costs involved, but this person will also be able to supervise ground handling at the destination. Alternatively, given at least three days’ advance notice, you may be able to request (and pay for) an English-speaking ATC agent at your arrival/departure location for many different airports.

2. Give yourself plenty of time for trip planning

It’s best to have at least a week’s notice when planning a trip to Argentina. This gives you time to plan permits and ground services, as well as to obtain needed overflight permits for surrounding countries: Brazil, Chile, Bolivia, and Paraguay.

3. Consider remote location options

Many secondary locations in Argentina are domestic-only airports. This means that you’ll have to clear customs, immigration, and quarantine inbound/outbound from an airport of entry. Airport hours should be considered at more remote locations. Be aware that airport overtime can be requested in Argentina with at least three business days’ advance notification. Best practice is to send a ground handler in advance to secondary locations in Argentina to supervise the ground handling. Be advised that additional costs will be involved in repositioning a handler.

4. Be aware of Argentinean reciprocity fees

There are reciprocity fees that must be paid by certain nationalities traveling to Argentina. Australian citizens pay 100 USD per passenger per trip for each flight to Argentina. Canadians pay 75 USD per passenger per trip or 150 USD per passenger for a five-year travel period. U.S. citizens pay 160 USD per passenger, and this covers travel to Argentina over a period of 10 years. These fees may be paid by your ground handler or 3rd-party provider, but they must be paid in advance via this website.

5. Know other requirements when traveling to Argentina

Some nationalities require visas for Argentina, and some of those visas must be obtained prior to arrival. It’s recommended that you speak to your 3rd-party provider or ground handler to confirm any visa requirements. Although vaccinations are not officially needed for this country, it’s important to note that if you travel to Brazil after Argentina, Brazilian authorities will want you to obtain a yellow fever vaccination. Standard documents – including registration and airworthiness certificates and worldwide insurance – should always be carried onboard the aircraft. Both pilot and first officer must have appropriate aircraft type ratings and licenses issued by the country in which the aircraft is registered. In lieu of this, you must have an original letter of authority from that governing authority (i.e., Civil Aviation Authority or Federal Aviation Administration) authorizing the pilot to fly the aircraft. Authorities have been known to enforce this regulation randomly at different airports. On international arrivals the aircraft cabin must be sprayed with insecticide (specifically, DDT) at top of decent.

6. Be aware of additional operating considerations

Use of hangar space is recommended from time to time due to volcanic ash in the area. For security purposes it is recommended to avoid public transportation and consider vetted pre-paid transportation (car and driver). If you’re bringing hunting weapons to Argentina, always provide prior notification – and complete a “Temporary Authorization of Arms” form which can be downloaded here – to avoid delays and problems on arrival.

Conclusion

Plan trips to Argentina – particularly if you’re flying to smaller domestic destinations – well in advance, and consider ATC English-speaking capabilities at all planned stops. Also, ensure that Argentinean reciprocity fees are taken care of in advance, and give yourself additional lead time if you’re carrying weapons onboard.

Questions?

If you have any questions about this article or would like assistance planning your next trip to Israel, contact Christine Vamvakas at christinevamvakas@univ-wea.com.

Senior Mission Advisor Giancarlo Gelpi worked for Universal through January 2016. During his time at Universal, Giancarlo earned a reputation as a subject matter expert on all areas of trip support services, particularly obtaining challenging permits. Giancarlo, facilitated more than 8,000 global trip legs in his career, is known for his calm, steady demeanor and sense of humor, which have helped him build a rapport with civil aviation officials around the globe on behalf of his clients. He has also shared his expertise on international operations with many industry publications.